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Story from

‘Shop local’ has special meaning in these small Wisconsin towns

By Travel Wisconsin
Published 6:00 a.m. CT Oct. 14, 2019

Across Wisconsin, artisans, chefs, innkeepers and more create a vibrant, hyper-local scene that shoppers will relish.

The Cedar Creek Winery offers tours and tastings of local spirits.(Photo: Courtesy of Travel Wisconsin)

The “shop local” movement is the bread and butter of small towns across Wisconsin. Consider a trip to meet the makers, creators, shop owners, chefs and innkeepers of the “shop local” scene and leave with some one-of-a-kind finds to gift or keep for yourself.

Cedarburg

More than 200 historic buildings centered around Washington Ave. are still used today as shops, cafés and inns, providing a focal point for the comings and goings in the community. “It feels like quintessential Americana here. You’ll feel like a local when you visit, especially during the holiday shopping season,” said Elizabeth Albers, tourism coordinator for the local chamber of commerce. She was quick to recommend the local Alpine Gift Haus located in The Shops of Cedar Creek Settlement, where the owners import ornaments from all over the world, a reflection of the community’s European heritage. There’s also The Pink Llama Gallery representing over 100 artists from Wisconsin and around the country. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s no better gift than the gourmet caramel apples and chocolates from Amy’s. Enjoy a tour and tasting at Cedar Creek Winery and refuel at Cedarburg Coffee Roastery. “Order the Cedarburg blend coffee and the muffins are to die for,” said Albers. Another culinary find is the new Brandywine restaurant, where the owners focus on close-to-home ingredients and Wisconsin-influenced dishes. Albers also suggested the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts. “It’s housed in a beautiful old barn and you’ll see phenomenal works of art.” There’s a great little gift shop there too.

Where to Stay: The Lilly Pad is the petite inn of the trio with three rooms and pretty patio space out back. Then there’s the 10-room Stagecoach Inn with its own pub on the first floor. The Washington House Inn’s 34 rooms are all named after a founding member of Cedarburg.

The beauty of Lake Pepin is reason enough to visit, but the creative shops and culinary establishments in Stockholm are icing on the cake. Alan Nugent of the Stockholm Merchants Association said his favorite place to shop is The Purple Turtle Artisan Collective, featuring the work of local and regional makers. He also mentioned Abode Gallery, noting it’s an institution in town and features the work of local fine artists, potters and jewelry makers. When asked about a place to grab a bite to eat, Nugent admitted his bias in recommending the much-acclaimed Stockholm Pie Shop. “I’m slightly biased because I own it,” he chuckled. “We make everything from scratch and source in-season organic ingredients when we can.” As for the most popular pie, Nugent said “It’s a battle between the Double Lemon and the Bumbleberry.” Nugent also recommended picking up a gift at Maiden Rock Winery & Cidery in rural Stockholm. “They make European-style hard ciders using heirloom apples from their orchard.”

Where to Stay: “You won’t find a hotel or motel here,” said Nugent. “Stockholm is small and charming with lots of guest houses and B&Bs.” Rent the whole house when you stay at The White House Inn, a restored Victorian downtown. The new Carriage House Inn is perfect for a couple’s getaway with lovely views to Lake Pepin and the Mississippi River.

Baraboo’s circus history makes it a fun destination for families.(Photo: Courtesy of Travel Wisconsin)

Baraboo

The city’s circus history and its setting along the Baraboo River make it a must-visit fall experience. Consider season passes to Circus World, a state historic site and the original winter quarters of the Ringling Bros. Circus, where colorful circus wagons, costumes and posters are on display. Shopping finds include Cornerstone Gallery, where nearly all the artwork, jewelry and pottery are locally made, and Bekah Kate’s for the home chef on your list, thanks to their wonderful selection of gourmet cookware and Wisconsin-themed gifts. Build in some relaxation time from all that shopping and touring with a visit to Spa Serenity. For such a small town, the variety of dining choices is surprising. There’s Little Village Café where the socially conscious owners make a point to source locally, and Driftless Glen Distillery where you can pick up a bottle of locally made spirits, like the award winning 5 Year Reserve Brandy.

This gateway city on the Door County peninsula is a shoppers’ nirvana with finds like Bliss for fanciful gifts, Logan Creek Soap for locally hand-crafted soaps, and Door County Candy for chocolate-dipped everything and candy-making classes. Head to the Steel Bridge Creative District to see and purchase the art of artisans in glass blowing, painting and weaving. The local food scene is equally vibrant, notes Pam Seiler, executive director of the Sturgeon Bay Visitor Center. “Scaturo’s Baking Co. & Café has been in the area for more than 25 years. You walk in and hear all the local news,” said Seiler. She recommends the hearty breakfast skillets. Bluefront Café is another favorite of the locals, with the Bluefront Burger made with beef sourced from a nearby farm. Seiler also enthusiastically endorsed tickets to the Third Avenue Playhouse as another gift option, or just for entertainment while visiting. “It’s small and intimate and artists come from all over the world to perform here.”

Mary McPhetridge, executive director of the Ashland Chamber of Commerce, noted all the retail businesses in the Historic 8 Block District are locally owned and operated. “Our business community is just that, a community of locals who work together to offer our residents and tourists a very vibrant downtown with a very friendly atmosphere,” said McPhetridge. She suggests Home Expressions for household gifts with the added convenience of free gift wrapping, and The Red Bicycle Gift Shoppe for items from local artists and crafters, where there’s even a section for junior artists. Gabriele’s is your happy place if you or your loved ones have a taste for German chocolates. Take a lunch break at Deepwater Grille with a menu featuring local foods and sustainable products. Save room for dessert at 2nd Street Bistro where the owner is a talented pastry chef.

Where to Stay: Spend the night at The Inn at Timber Cove where you can choose from a guest house, carriage house or little cottage in the woods.

Lake Geneva:The Opal Man just opened in Lake Geneva, making it the only opal gallery in the U.S. with jewelry creations for those with October birthdays. The Queen Bee Artisan Market has handcrafted items from local and national artists.

Hudson: Don’t miss out on Seasons on St. Croix Gallery, a colorful art space with works from more than 150 local, regional and national artists. The family-owned Purple Tree features kids’ toys, jewelry and home décor billed as good for people and good for the planet. Find Wisconsin-themed goods from another family-owned small business, The 715.

Princeton: Browse Daiseye for hand-crafted, earth-friendly products for the home, Twister for giftware, and Twigs for toys if there’s a tot on your list. RossHaven Gallery Art and Levee Contemporary Art Studio sit side-by-side. Make time to hunt for antiques at the many shops around town

Members of the editorial and news staff of the USA TODAY Network were not involved in the creation of this content.